Design for the Other 90% highlighted a unique display of useful low-cost technology for the developing world. A lot of the designs were centered on creating sustainable everyday solutions for people without clean water, cooking fuel, electricity or practical transportation. In 2007 Cooper-Hewitt highlighted devices like the Solar Ear, the LifeStraw water purifier and the Portable Light. We are itching to see the designs that will be featured in the upcoming exhibition.

The next installment will be in the Fall of 2011 and will be titled “Critical Mass”. It will focus on, among other things, sanitation and water, climate change and urban planning. In addition to the exhibition all the field work done by the museum will be available in an online open-network database. Sharing is caring, people, and it seems like the Rockefeller Foundation has figured out one great way to help the underprivileged through great design and innovation.